Cyclic vomiting syndrome: the corticotropin-releasing-factor hypothesis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors are crucial in the stress response.
• Brain CRF influences various physiological systems, including gastric function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of central CRF in mediating stress-induced delayed gastric emptying.
• To explore the potential of CRF antagonists in managing conditions like postoperative ileus and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).

Main Methods:

• Administration of CRF into cerebrospinal fluid or periphery in various species.
• Utilizing specific CRF antagonists to block CRF action.
• Observing effects on gastric emptying and ileus in rat models.
• Analyzing the link between CVS symptoms and central CRF activation.

Main Results:

• CRF administration inhibits gastric emptying.
• Central CRF mediates stress-induced delayed gastric emptying in rats.
• CRF antagonists prevent postoperative gastric ileus.
• CVS symptoms correlate with central CRF activation, and therapies targeting CRF are effective.

Conclusions:

• Brain CRF is a key mediator of stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction.
• CRF antagonists show therapeutic potential for conditions like CVS and postoperative ileus.
• Further research into central CRF activation in CVS pathophysiology is warranted.